Snowmobile

ABSTRACT

A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front frame portion comprised of cast halves. A suspension system is comprised of upper and lower control arms connected to the front frame portion. Some of the frame components are adhesively fixed together. A powertrain is supported by the frame, and is comprised of an engine and a clutch. The clutch includes a clutch guard supporting an oil container. The engine has an exhaust system which extends through the front frame portion. The snowmobile also has a rear snow deflector.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/736,073 filed Sep. 7, 2010; which is an application claiming priorityunder 35 USC §371 of PCT application number PCT/US2009/036315 filed Mar.6, 2009, which in turn claimed priority from U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. Nos. 61/104,436 filed Oct. 10, 2008 and 29/301,572 filed Mar. 7,2008, the subject matter of which are all incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to various systems for snowmobiles.

Performance characteristics of snowmobiles, including the comfort of theride, depend on a variety of systems and components, including thesnowmobile suspension. Typically, a snowmobile suspension includes twosystems, a front suspension system for a pair of skis and a rearsuspension system for the track.

The rear suspension of a snowmobile supports an endless track driven bythe snowmobile engine to propel the machine. The track is supportedbeneath a vehicle chassis by a suspension that is designed to provide acomfortable ride and to help absorb the shock of the snowmobile crossinguneven terrain. Most modern snowmobiles use a slide rail suspensionwhich incorporates a pair of slide rails along with several idler wheelsto support the track in its configuration. The slide rails are typicallysuspended beneath the chassis by a pair of suspension arms, with eacharm being attached at its upper end to the chassis of the snowmobile,and at its lower end to the slide rails. The mechanical linkage of theslide rails to the suspension arms and to the snowmobile chassistypically is provided by springs and at least one element acting along alinear path, such as a shock absorber, damper, air shock, shock andspring combination.

The front suspension is typically provided by upper and control armswhich pivot relative to the front portion of the frame at an inner end,and connect to the skis at an outer end.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vehicle is provided comprising a frame; a pluralityof ground engaging members including one or more front ground engagingmembers supporting a front portion of the frame and one or more rearground engaging members supporting a rear portion of the frame. A powertrain system is supported by the frame and operatively coupled to atleast one of the plurality of ground engaging members. A steeringassembly is operatively coupled to at least the one or more front groundengaging members to orient the one or more front ground engagingmembers, and a front suspension including a first left side control armcoupled to a first ground engaging member of the one or more frontground engaging members and a first right side control arm coupled to asecond ground engaging member of the one or more front ground engagingmembers. The first left side control arm and the first right sidecontrol arm are coupled to the frame through a common connection.

In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided comprising a frame, aplurality of ground engaging members including one or more front groundengaging members supporting a front portion of the frame and one or morerear ground engaging members supporting a rear portion of the frame. Apower train system is supported by the frame and operatively coupled toat least one of the plurality of ground engaging members. A steeringassembly is operatively coupled to at least the one or more front groundengaging members to orient the one or more front ground engagingmembers. A front suspension includes a first left side control armcoupled to a first ground engaging member of the one or more frontground engaging members and to a cast portion of the frame and a firstright side control arm coupled to a second ground engaging member of theone or more front ground engaging members and to the cast portion of theframe. The first left side control arm is rotatable relative to the castportion of the frame about a first left side axis and is coupled to thecast portion of the frame along a first direction, the first directionbeing angled relative to the first left side axis; and the first rightside control arm is rotatable relative to the cast portion of the frameabout a first right side axis and is coupled to the cast portion of theframe along a second direction, the second direction being angledrelative to the first right side axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, left, perspective view of an exemplarysnowmobile;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front, right, perspective view of the exemplaryutility vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, left, perspective view of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, right, perspective view of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a left side view of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG.1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a frame of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1 along with several components supported by theframe;

FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary seat frame bracket and an exemplaryseat cushion;

FIG. 11B illustrates another exemplary seat frame bracket and anotherexemplary seat cushion;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another frame of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1 along with several components supported by theframe;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of the frame of FIG. 10 including a leftfront clip casting, a left side casting, a right side casting, a floorportion extending therebetween, a left side bulkhead, and a right sidebulkhead, and a tunnel front member which also provides a cooler unitfor the cooling system of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 illustrates an independent front suspension assembled to aportion of the frame of FIG. 10 including a left front clip casting, aright front clip casting;

FIG. 17 illustrates a connection of a left lower control arm of thefront suspension and a right lower control arm of the front suspensionto the frame; along lines 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 illustrates a lower, left, perspective view of the assembly ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary shock of the frontsuspension of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a steering assembly of theexemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top perspective view of the steering assembly ofFIG. 21 assembled to the frame of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 illustrates a front, perspective view of an over structure ofthe frame;

FIG. 23A illustrates an adhesive joint provided between two componentsof the over structure of FIG. 23;

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the over structure ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates the assembly of stiffener members into the overstructure of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 illustrates the positioning of a lower portion of the steeringassembly and the front suspension relative to the front clip of theexemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the positioning of thesteering assembly relative to the front clip of the exemplary snowmobileof FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the positioning of a portionof an exhaust system relative to the front clip of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the assembly ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 illustrates a front bumper of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG.1;

FIG. 31 illustrates the front bumper of FIG. 30 coupled to the frontclip of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 32 illustrates a representation of a cooling system for the powersource of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 illustrates a sectional view of a center cooler of the coolingsystem of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 illustrates an air intake system and a control unit of theexemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 34 exploded;

FIG. 36 illustrates the placement of a divider between an upper air boxhousing and a lower air box housing of the air intake system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 illustrates a partial view of the air box tower of the airintake system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 illustrates a fuel intake assembly of the exemplary snowmobileof FIG. 1;

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary oil container and clutch guard of theexemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 40 illustrates exemplary locators of the oil container and theclutch guard of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 illustrates a partial view of the oil container of FIG. 39through a center place of the oil container;

FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 illustrates a section view of the oil container of FIG. 39 alongline 43-43 in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 illustrates a partial view of another exemplary oil containerthrough a center plane of the oil container;

FIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view of a further exemplary oilcontainer;

FIG. 46 illustrates a right, partial, perspective view of the oilcontainer of FIG. 45 through a center plane of the oil container;

FIG. 47 illustrates a left, partial, perspective view of the oilcontainer of FIG. 45 through a center plane of the oil container;

FIG. 48 illustrates an exploded, assembly view of still anotherexemplary oil container;

FIG. 49 illustrates a representation of the power train of the exemplarysnowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the power trainof FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 illustrates a chain case of the assembly of FIG. 50 having acover removed;

FIG. 52 illustrates a side view of the assembly of FIG. 50 positionedrelative to the frame of the exemplary snowmobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 53 illustrates a sectional view of an upper drive shaft along lines53-53 in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 illustrates an operator positioned on the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 55 illustrates an exemplary metal front bumper;

FIG. 56 illustrates the metal front bumper of FIG. 55 having aovermolded component coupled thereto;

FIG. 57 illustrates a first exemplary display screen of a vehicledisplay;

FIG. 58 illustrates a second exemplary display screen of a vehicledisplay;

FIG. 59 illustrates a third exemplary display screen of a vehicledisplay;

FIG. 60 illustrates a fourth exemplary display screen of a vehicledisplay; and

FIGS. 61 and 62 illustrate an exemplary flow chart for a vehiclesecurity system of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings areproportional with the exception of the flowcharts and blockrepresentations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While thepresent disclosure is primarily directed to a snowmobile, it should beunderstood that the features disclosed herein may have application toother types of vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles,watercraft, utility vehicles, and golf carts.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrated embodiment of vehicle 100 is shown.The illustrated vehicle 100 is a snowmobile. However, the followingdisclosure is applicable to other types of vehicles such as all terrainvehicles, motorcycles, watercraft, utility vehicles, and golf carts.Vehicle 100 as illustrated includes a plurality of ground engagingmembers 102. Illustratively, ground engaging members 102 include anendless track assembly 104 and a pair of front skis 106 a and 106 b.Endless track assembly 104 supports a rear portion of vehicle 100 whileskis 106 support a front portion of vehicle 100. Further, endless trackassembly 104 is operatively coupled to an engine 108 (see FIG. 49).

Referring to FIG. 10, vehicle 100 includes a frame 110. Frame 110includes a front frame portion 112 which is generally supported by skis106. Frame 110 further includes a middle frame portion 114 whichgenerally supports engine 108. Frame 110 further includes a rear portion116 which is generally supported by endless track assembly 104. Frontframe portion 112 is coupled to skis 106 a and 106 b through respectivefront suspensions 120 a and 120 b. Front suspensions 120 a and 120 bpermits the relative movement of frame 110 relative to skis 106. Ingeneral, front suspension 120 b is a mirror image of front suspension120 a.

Referring to FIG. 3, frame 110 is supported by endless track assembly104 through a rear suspension 122 and a drive shaft 124 (see FIG. 50).Drive shaft 124 includes a pair of drive sprockets 126 which have aplurality of teeth 128 to engage and move endless track belt 130 ofendless track assembly 104. Additional details regarding the structureand operation of rear suspension 122 and the connection between rearsuspension 122 and frame 110 are provided in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/623,873, published under Publication No. 2007-0199753, filedJan. 17, 2007, titled SNOWMOBILE FRAME ASSEMBLY; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/623,879, published under Publication No. 2007-0221424, filedJan. 17, 2007, titled SNOWMOBILE REAR SUSPENSION; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/710,177, published under Publication No.2007-0246283, filed Feb. 23, 2007, titled SNOWMOBILE DRIVE ASSEMBLY, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown generally in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, rear frame portion 116 includesa generally U-shaped tunnel 132 which covers a front portion 133 ofendless track assembly 104. A rear portion 134 of endless track assembly104 extends beyond the rear of tunnel 132. The rear of tunnel 132 isindicated in FIG. 6 by line 136.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative rear portion 116′ of frame 110 isshown. Rear portion 116′ includes an elongated tunnel 132′ whichgenerally covers an entire endless track assembly. Rear frame portion116′ is intended for use with a traditional rear snow mobile suspension,such as the Polaris Fusion rear suspension illustrated in FIG. 1 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/623,879, published under Publication No.2007-0221424, filed Jan. 17, 2007, titled SNOWMOBILE REAR SUSPENSION,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Returning to FIG. 10, rear portion 116 of frame 110 supports a searbracket 140 which supports and couples a seat 142 shown in FIG. 1. Inone embodiment, seat 142 is coupled to portion 147 of seat bracket 140through couplers, such as screws, bolts, or other fasteners. Seat 142includes a seating surface 144 upon which the operator of vehicle 100 issupported. A rear portion of seat 142 is supported by a rear seatsupport bracket 146. Referring to FIG. 6, rear seat support bracket 146is coupled to rear frame portion 116 through a mounting bracket 150.

Mounting bracket 150 also couples seat bracket 140 to rear frame portion116 as well as a portion of rear suspension 122 to rear frame portion116. As shown in FIG. 6, rear seat support bracket 146 is coupled tomounting bracket 150 forward of the end of tunnel 132 is indicated byline 136. Further, rear seats support bracket 146 supports seat 142beyond the end of tunnel 132 as indicated by line 136. In addition, rearseat support bracket 146 also provides a mounting location for taillight 148.

Referring to FIG. 11B, another rear seat support bracket 152 is shownwhich may be coupled to mounting bracket 150. Rear seat support bracket152 is elongated relative to rear seat support bracket 146 which isshown FIG. 11 a. The additional length of rear seat support bracket 152accommodates an elongated seat 154 having a seating surface 156. Seat154 is coupled to seat bracket 140 and portion 153 of rear seat supportbracket 152. Rear seat support bracket 152 also includes a plurality ofattachment bars 158 which permit the attachment of bungies or othercargo securing means to rear seat support bracket 152. In oneembodiment, either rear seat support bracket 146 or rear seat supportbracket 152 includes openings sized to cooperate with expansionretainers to couple cargo or cargo carrying devices to their respectiverear seat support bracket 146 or rear seat support bracket 152.Additional details regarding expansion retainers and the openings towhich they couple are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,454, to Whiting etal., filed Jul. 13, 2004, titled “Vehicle Expansion Retainers,” thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Returning to FIG. 6, a rear bumper 164 is coupled to rear suspension122. As shown in FIG. 6, rear suspension 122 includes an upper portion160 which is rotatably coupled to mounting bracket 150 at a location162. Location 162 corresponds to an axis of rotation extending out ofthe page of FIG. 6. Upper portion 160 is also rotatably coupled to alinear force element 170 at a location 172. Location 172 corresponds toan axis of rotation extending out of the page of FIG. 6. Rear suspension122 further includes a lower portion 166 coupled to slide rails 168 atthe location 169. Location 169 corresponds to an axis of rotationextending out of the page of FIG. 6. As known in the art slide rails 168and idler wheels 170 are provided inside endless belt 130 and generallymaintain endless belt 130 in its proper configuration and tensionrelative to driveshaft 126. Upper portion 160 of rear suspension 122 isrotatably coupled to lower portion 166 of rear suspension 122 at alocation 174. Location 174 corresponds to an axis of rotation extendingout of the page of FIG. 6.

As stated herein, rear bumper 164 is coupled to rear suspension 122 andextends rearward from rear suspension 122. In the illustrated embodimentrear bumper 164 is coupled to lower portion 166 of rear suspension 122at a location 176 which is generally between the rotatable axis 162 andthe rotation axis 169. As best shown in FIG. 3, rear bumper 164 moveswith lower portion 166 of rear suspension 122.

A flexible snow deflector 180 is shown in FIG. 6. Snow deflector 180 hasa first portion 179 which extends from location 162 to location 174, asecond portion 181 which extends from location 174 generally out pastthe end of rear bumper 164, and a third portion 183 which is angled downrelative to second portion 181. In one embodiment, first portion 179,second portion 181, and third portion 183 are a single component. In oneembodiment, one or more of first portion 179, second portion 181, andthird portion 183 are separate from the remainder of first portion 179,second portion 181, and third portion 183.

Snow deflector 180 may be coupled to locations 162 and 174 in anysuitable manner. In one example, ties may be provided to couple snowdeflector 180 to cross members extending over endless track belt 130. Inanother example, snow guard 180 includes clips or passageways whichreceive a portion of the cross members extending over endless track belt130. Second portion 181 of snow deflector 180 may be coupled to rearbumper 164 through ties to keep snow deflector 180 spaced apart fromendless belt 130.

Flexible snow deflector 180 is generally coupled to frame 110 at therear of tunnel 132 and is coupled to upper portion 165 of rear bumper164. In one embodiment, snow deflector 180 is a flexible snow flap. Snowdeflector 180 moves with rear bumper 164 as rear suspension 122 iscompressed or extended during the operation of vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 14, mid-frame portion 114 of frame 110 includes abulkhead member 181 and a bulkhead head member 182 (See FIG. 52) whichare coupled to tunnel 132 on the left side and the right side of vehicle100, respectively. Middle frame portion 114 further includes a left sidebulkhead member 184 and right side bulkhead member 186 (See FIG. 15).Bulkhead members 184 and 186 are coupled to respective bulkhead members181 and 182. In one embodiment, bulkhead members 184 and 186 are castcomponents. As explained herein, these cast components include mountinglocations for other frame members and components of vehicle 100.Referring to FIG. 15, mid-frame portion 114 of frame 110 furtherincludes a floor member 188 which is coupled to and extends between castmembers 184 and 186. Floor member 188 is coupled along its rearward edgeto a front cooler unit 190 as shown in FIG. 33.

Front cooler unit 190 serves as a structural component of frame 110.Referring to FIG. 33 front cooler 190 provides a front portion of tunnel132. Front cooler 190 includes a first fluid conduit 192 which is influid communication with a fluid conduit 194 internal to front cooler190. Front cooler 190 further includes a second fluid conduit 196 whichis in fluid communication with a second internal fluid conduit 198 offront cooler 190. Front cooler 190 further includes a third internalfluid conduit 199. Fluid flows through front cooler 190 from one offirst fluid conduit 192 and second fluid conduit 196 to the other offirst fluid conduit 192 and second fluid conduit 196 by way of fluidconduits 194, 198, and 199.

In one embodiment, front cooler 190 is a part of a cooling system 630 ofvehicle 100, represented in FIG. 32. Referring to FIG. 32, coolingsystem 630 includes a front radiator 600, front tunnel cooler 190, and atop tunnel cooler 191. Warmed cooling fluid from engine 108 iscirculated through front radiator 600, front tunnel cooler 190, and atop tunnel cooler 191 to be cooled and then is provided back to engine108. Front tunnel cooler 190 and top tunnel cooler 191 mainly cool thefluid due to snow present in tunnel 132 during operation. However,sometimes the amount of snow brought into contact with front cooler 190and top cooler 191 is not sufficient to cool the fluid. Front radiator600 cools the fluid due to air passing therethrough. As such, frontradiator 600 and the coolers 190 and 191 combine to cool the fluid inmost riding environments. Exemplary front radiators are discussedherein.

Returning to the frame 110 and FIG. 18, floor member 188 is furthercoupled along its front portion to a left side cast clip member 200 offront frame portion 112 and a right side clip member 202 of front frameportion 112. Referring to FIG. 15, left side cast clip member 200 isfurther coupled to left bulkhead member 184 through a plurality ofcouplers (not shown), such as bolts. In a similar manner, right sidecast clip member 202 is coupled to right bulkhead member 186.

Referring to FIG. 19, left side cast clip member 200 is coupled to rightside cast clip member 202 at first lower location 220 and a second lowerlocation 222 by respective couplers (not shown), such as bolts.Referring to FIG. 16, left side cast clip member 200 and right side castclip member 202 are further coupled together at locations 224 and 226through respective couplers (not shown), such as bolts. As discussedherein in relation to FIG. 17, left side cast clip member 200 and rightside cast clip member 202 are further coupled together through aconnection that also couples a portion of left side front suspension120A and right side front suspension 1208 to the respective left sidecast clip member 200 and right side cast clip member 202.

Referring to FIG. 23 an overstructure 230 is shown which is coupled toframe 110 as shown in FIG. 10. Overstructure 230 includes a upper mountmember 232 which as shown in FIG. 24 provides mounting for an uppersteering post 234 of a steering assembly 236 (see FIG. 21) of vehicle100. Coupled to a front side of upper mounting member 232 are twotubular components 238 and 240. Tubular components 238 and 240 aremounted to mounting lugs 242 and 244, respectively. Mounting lugs 242and 244 are further coupled to left side cast clip member 200 atlocation 246 (see FIG. 16) and right side cast clip member 202 atlocation 248 (see FIG. 16), respectively. Two tubular members 250 and252 are coupled to upper mounting member 232 on the rear side ofmounting member 232 as shown in FIG. 24. Tubular components 250 and 252are further coupled to mounting components 254 and 256 which are coupledto rear frame portion 116 of frame 110 as shown in FIG. 14.

The various connections between frame members may be made by traditionalmechanical couplings such as bolts, welds and screws and other types offasteners. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the connectionsbetween the various frame members are made at least in part with astructural adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment the connectionbetween mounting lug 244 and tubular component 240 is made at least inpart with a structural adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 23A, the joint between mounting lug 244 and tubularcomponent 240 is shown. Mounting lug 244 includes a recess 260. In oneembodiment, recess 260 is a part of component 240 as opposed to mountinglug 244. Regardless component 240 and mounting lug 244 cooperate todefine an adhesive cavity 262 into which an adhesive 261 may beintroduced through a port 264 in mounting lug 244. The adhesive cavity262 is bounded on the one end by a lip 266 which shuts off the axial endof adhesive cavity 262. Component 240 and mounting lug 244 are securedtogether through the use of mechanical fasteners 270 which are receivedin openings 272 in mounting lug 244. In one embodiment, fasteners 270are self piercing rivets which pierce through component 240 and securethe location of component 240 relative to mounting lug 244. In theillustrated embodiment, adhesive cavity 262 circumscribes component 240.As illustrated, adhesive cavity 262 includes two ports 264 into whichthe adhesive may be introduced. The use of two ports provides for moreuniform filling of adhesive cavity 262 with the adhesive 261. In oneembodiment, a single adhesive port 264 is provided. In anotherembodiment three or more adhesive ports 264 are provided.

By having adhesive cavity 262 circumscribe component 240 a width of thejoint formed by adhesive component 262 is maximized. In general,increasing a width of the joint formed by an adhesive 261 provides agreater increase in joint strength than increasing a length of the jointprovided by adhesive 261. In one embodiment, tubular component 240 is anextruded tube. In one embodiment, tubular component 240 is a drawn tube.In general, the joint strength when component 240 is a drawn tube hasbeen found to be about 10 percent stronger than the joint strength whencomponent 240 is an extruded tube. In addition the thickness of adhesivecavity 262 relates to the strength of the joint formed by adhesive 261.If the thickness is too thin the resulting joint may be too weak. If thethickness is too great the resulting joint may not properly transfer theload from component 240 and mounting lug 244 to the other of component240 and mounting lug 244. In one embodiment, the thickness of adhesivecavity 262 is in the range of about 0.25 millimeters (mm) up to about0.76 mm. In one embodiment, the surface of tubular component 240 shouldbe prepped prior to assembly to mounting lug 244. Exemplary surfacepreparations include a dry rag wipe, a solvent degrease, a vapordegrease, a mechanical abrasion of the surface, plasma treatment,chemical etching, and anodizing.

Through the use of adhesive 261 component 240 and mounting lug 244 maybe joined regardless of whether component 240 and mounting lug 244 aremade of similar materials or dissimilar materials.

The ability to combine different materials or dissimilar materialstogether allows the use of materials which are best suited for theoperation of each of mounting lug 240 and 244. Further, the use of anadhesive distributes the load of a joint over an area rather thanconcentrating it at a point or a line as is the case with rivets andwelds. Stress spikes from drilled holes are reduced and the structuralchanges to the materials caused by welding which affect material fatiguestrength are eliminated and the components are not distorteddimensionally from the welding process. In one embodiment, the adhesivealso forms a seal as well as a bond resulting in eliminating the needfor the sealing of the joint between mounting lug 240 and 244. Further,the amount of transferred noise and vibration is reduced due to theelimination or reduction in metal on metal contact.

In one embodiment, the adhesive 261 is an acrylic adhesive. An exemplaryacrylic adhesive is Lord 406 adhesive available from Lord corporationhaving offices located at 5101 E. 65^(th) Street, Indianapolis, Ind.46220. In one embodiment, the Lord 405 acrylic adhesive is combined withan accelerator to promote the curing of the 406 adhesive. An exemplaryaccelerator is Lord 19 also available from Lord Corporation. For jointsnot having a defined adhesive cavity such as adhesive 261, Lord 19 GBaccelerator may be used in combination with the acrylic adhesive. TheLord 19 GB accelerator includes glass beads to promote uniform bond linethickness between substrates. In one embodiment, the glass beads are0.01 inches (in.) in diameter. In one embodiment, the cure time of theadhesive joint formed by adhesive 261 is approximately 24 hours at roomtemperature.

The use of adhesive 261 may be used to join other components of frame110 together. In one embodiment, floor component 188 is joined to leftside cast clip 200 and right side cast clip member 202 through use of anacrylic adhesive and an accelerator having the spacer components toprovide a generally uniform bond line. In one embodiment, the spacercomponents are the glass beads such as provided by Lord A19 GBaccelerator. In other embodiments, one or both of floor member 188 andclip members 200 and 202 may include standoffs which define thethickness of the adhesive joint.

In addition, structural adhesives may be used to join together frontcooler 190 and floor member 188, front cooler 190 and tunnel 132,bulkhead 181 and tunnel 132, bulkhead 182 and tunnel 132, bulkhead 184and bulkhead 181, bulkhead 182 and bulkhead 186, mounting lugs 244 andtubular component 243, mounting lug 244 and tubular component 243,mounting component 242 and tubular component 238. Further, to the extenttunnel 132 or tunnel 132′ includes side tunnel coolers, these sidetunnel coolers may be secured to the tunnel through the use ofstructural adhesives. In any of these frame joints, mechanicalfasteners, such as rivots, may be used to locate components while theadhesive forms the majority of the strength of the joint.

In one embodiment, tubular component 240 is joined to mounting lug 244by inserting the end of tubular component 240 into the opening inmounting lug 244 as shown in FIG. 23A. Once tubular component 240contacts an end wall 245 of mounting lug 244 mechanical fasteners 270are passed through openings 272 in mounting lug 244 and are affixed tocomponent 240. Mechanical fasteners 270 serve to locate component 240relative to mounting lug 244. At this point, adhesive 261 is provided toadhesive cavity 262 through the one or more ports 264 provided inmounting lug 244.

In one embodiment, the volume of adhesive cavity 262 is predetermined insuch that a predetermined amount of adhesive 261 is injected intoadhesive cavity 262. The predetermined amount of adhesive 261 generallycorresponds to the volume of adhesive cavity 262. Once adhesive 261 hascured the strength of the joint between components 240 and 244 islargely governed by the strength of the adhesive joint between component240 and mounting lug 244. In one embodiment, the curing of adhesive 261may be accelerated by applying heat during the curing process.

In one embodiment, floor component 188 is coupled to cast components 200and 202 by first applying the adhesive 261 to one or both of floorcomponent 188 and cast components 200 and 202 and then positioning floorcomponent 188 relative to cast components 200 and 202. The joint betweenfloor member 188 and cast components 200 and 202 may be furtherreinforced through the use of mechanical fasteners.

In one embodiment, at least two frame members are assembled by attachingthe members together with mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, forlocation of the members relative to each other and then use of astructural adhesive to complete joint between the members. The use ofthe mechanical fasteners replaces the need to clamp the members togetheruntil the adhesive sets.

Referring to FIG. 25 each of tubular members 238 and 240 are coupled toupper mounting member 232 through a plurality of mechanical fasteners,illustratively bolts 280. Bolts 280 are received through openings intubular components 238 and 240 and thread into upper mounting member232. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffening members 282 are providedwhich are received inside tubular components 238 and 240, respectively.Stiffening members 282 include openings 284 which align generally withopenings 283 in tubular components 238 and 240. Further, the regions ofstiffening member 282 surrounding openings 284 are generally equal toand follow the contour of the internal diameter of tubular components238 and 240. As such, stiffening members 282 provide a generally solidstructure for tubular components 238 and 240 in the regionscorresponding to couplers 280.

Referring to FIG. 15, the connections between front suspension 120 a andleft side cast clip member 200 are illustrated. The mounting of rightfront suspension 120 b generally mirrors the mounting of left frontsuspension 120 a. Left front suspension 120 a includes a lower controlarm 300A, an upper control arm 302A, and a shock member 304A. Uppercontrol arm 302A includes a first collar portion 310A and a secondcollar portion 312A which are each coupled to a generally U-shapedcontrol arm member 314A. Each of collars 310A and 312A are rotatablycoupled to mounting members 316A and 318A respectively. Mounting members316A and 318A are rotatable relative to respective collar members 310 aand 312 a about axis 320 in directions 322 and 324. Mounting member 316Aincludes openings 326 and 328 which may be aligned with openings 330 and332 in left side cast clip member 200. Similarly mounting bracket 318Aincludes openings (not shown) and 336 which align generally withopenings 338 and 340 in left side cast clip member 200. Each of theopenings of mounting brackets 316A and 318A are coupled to left sidecast clip member 200 through a mechanical coupler. As illustrated foropening 326, a bolt 350 is introduced from an inside portion of leftside cast clip member 200 through opening 330 such that a head 352 ofbolt 350 rests against the inside of left side cast clip member 200.Bolt 350 is also passed through opening 326 in mounting member 316A.Finally, a nut 354 is threaded onto bolt 350 to secure mounting bracket316A to left side cast clip member 200. In a similar manner, opening 328in mounting bracket 316A and the openings of mounting bracket 318Areceive bolts 350 to couple the respective mounting brackets to the leftcast clip member 200. In one embodiment, the axis of bolt 350 generallyillustrated as assembly line 360 is generally perpendicular to axis 320.Of course, an end portion of mounting bracket 316A or 318A may be angledrelative to axis 320 such that axis 360 is not perpendicular to axis320.

Lower control arm 300A is generally mounted to left side cast clipmember 200 in the same manner as upper control arm 302A. In particular,lower control arm 300A includes mounting brackets 370A and 372A whichare received in collars 374A and 376A, respectively. Each of theopenings of mounting brackets 370A and 372A are secured to left sidecast clip member 200 as described above for control arm 302A with theexception of opening 380.

Referring to FIG. 17 a portion of left side cast clip member 200 andright side cast clip member 202 are shown along with mounting members370A of left front suspension 120A and 370B of right front suspension120B. Each of mounting members 370A and 370B include an opening 380. Amechanical coupler illustratively a bolt 382, passes through opening 380in right mounting component 370B, through right side cast clip member202, through left side cast clip member 200, and extends beyond leftmounting member 370A. Bolt 382 is held in place through a nut 386 whichis threadably secured to bolt 382. The connection illustrated in FIG.17, in addition to mounting lower control arm 300A and 300B to frame110, also provides another connection point between left side cast clipmember 200 and right side cast clip member 202. Further, the samecoupler 382 is used to secure both a portion of control arm 300A and300B to frame 110.

As shown in FIG. 17, the direction of mounting 390 is not perpendicularto an axis of rotation 392 of lower control arm 300. In one embodiment,the mounting direction 390 and axis of rotation 392 form an angle ofabout 67 degrees. In one embodiment, the mounting direction of a controlarm is relative to an axis of rotation of the control arm from aboutplus or minus about 68 degrees up to 90 degrees.

The mounting of the control arms in a direction angled relative to thedirection of rotation, reduces the likelihood that cast clips 200 and202 would be damaged in an accident. Rather, the control arms wouldbreak from the respective cast clip 200 and 202 prior to the respectivecast clip 200 and 202 being damaged.

Returning to FIG. 15, each of control arms 300A and 302A include a balljoint component 394A and 396A, respectively. As shown in FIG. 16 balljoint components 394A and 396A are coupled to a spindle 398A which isfurther coupled to ski 106A. Spindle 398A is permitted to rotaterelative to control arms 300A and 302A as well as to rotate relative toski 106 a. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation 320 of upper controlarm 302A and the axis of rotation 392 (which includes both collar 37Aand collar 376A) of lower control arm 300A are generally parallel. Inanother embodiment the axis of rotation 320 of upper control arm 302A isangled to relative to the axis of rotation 392 of lower control arm300A. In one embodiment, lower control arm 300A and upper control arm302A are angled as suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,050, the disclosureof which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In oneembodiment, the lower control arm 300A and upper control arm 302A areangled as suggested in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/135,107,filed Jun. 6, 2008, titled VEHICLE, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

Each of lower control arm 300A and 300B include a cross member 400A and400B, respectively. Referring to FIG. 19, a sway bar 402 is rotatablycoupled to left side cast clip member 200 at location 404 and to rightcast clip member 202 at location 406. Sway bar 402 is rearward facingand includes ends 408 and 410 which are coupled to brackets 412A and412B which are in turn coupled to cross members 400A and 400B of lowercontrol arms 300A and 300B, as shown in FIG. 26.

Control arms 300A and 302A are biased in a downward direction by a shockmember 384A. Any type of suitable shock may be used. In one embodiment,shock member 384A is a Model No. 7043206 shock available from WalkerEvans Racing located at 2304 Fleetwood Drive Riverside Calif. 92509.

Referring to FIG. 20 another exemplary shock 430 is shown. Shock 430includes a first body member 432 having a mounting location 434 forrotatably coupling to one of left side cast clip member 200 and rightside clip member 202. First body member 432 further includes a firstfluid chamber 436 and a second fluid chamber 438. First fluid chamber436 and second fluid chamber 438 are in fluid communication through athird fluid chamber 440.

Coupled to first body member 432 proximate to second fluid chamber 438is a cylindrical body member 442 having a floating piston 444 disposedtherein. Floating piston 444 divides an interior of cylindrical bodymember 442 into a first fluid chamber 446 and a second fluid chamber448. First fluid chamber 446 is in fluid communication with second fluidchamber 438. An end cap 450 seals second fluid chamber 448.

Coupled to first body member 432 proximate to first fluid chamber 436 isa cylindrical body member 452. An interior of cylindrical body member452 includes a fluid chamber 454. Fluid chamber 454 is in fluidcommunication with first fluid chamber 436. A piston 456 is disposed inthe interior of cylindrical body member 452 and forms the end of fluidchamber 454. Piston 456 is coupled to a support assembly 458 through acoupler 460. Support assembly 458 includes a mounting location 462 forrotatably coupling to one of control arms 300.

In operation, as control arm 300 wants to move upward, support assembly458 pushes piston 456 in direction 464. It should by noted that fluidchamber 454, first fluid chamber 436, second fluid chamber 438, thirdfluid chamber 440, and first fluid chamber 446 act as a single fluidchamber 466. This movement of support assembly 458 in direction 464 isresisted by fluid chamber 466 because the fluid within fluid chamber 466generally cannot escape from fluid chamber 466. As such, the fluidpressure in fluid chamber 466 increases as piston 456 is moved indirection 464 absent a change in the volume of fluid chamber 466. Thevolume of fluid chamber 466 may be increased by floating piston 444moving in direction 468, thereby increasing the volume of first fluidchamber 446 and decreasing the volume of second fluid chamber 448.

The amount of resistance to the movement of piston 456 in direction 464is dependent on many factors including the pressure in fluid chamber466, the pressure in second fluid chamber 448, and the volume of secondfluid chamber 448. The pressure in fluid chamber 466 may be adjusted byadding air to fluid chamber 466 through nipple 474 or removing air fromfluid chamber 466 through nipple 474. In a similar fashion, the pressurein second fluid chamber 448 may be adjusted by adding air to secondfluid chamber 448 through nipple 476 or removing air from second fluidchamber 448 through nipple 476. In one embodiment, fluid chamber 466includes an oil and gas mixture which is emulsified due to the movementof piston 456 in fluid chamber 466 and second fluid chamber 448 includesa gas. In one example, the gas in fluid chamber 466 and second fluidchamber 448 is nitrogen gas. The volume of second fluid chamber 448 maybe adjusted by introducing oil into second fluid chamber 448. Themovement of floating piston 444 does not result in the emulsification ofthe oil and gas in second fluid chamber 448 and hence the volume ofsecond fluid chamber 448 is effectively reduced through the addition ofoil to second fluid chamber 448.

A steering assembly 236 controls the orientation of skis 106 to controlthe direction of travel of vehicle 100. Referring to FIG. 21, steeringassembly 236 includes an upper steering post 234 which is coupled tohandle bars 500. As is known, an operator through rotating handle bars500 rotates upper steering post 234 about axis 502 and directions 504and 506. A lower portion of upper steering post 234 is coupled to abracket 510 (See FIG. 24) which turns with upper steering post 234 aboutaxis 502. Bracket 510 is rotatably coupled to a link 512 which is inturn rotatably coupled to a bracket 514. Bracket 514 is coupled to alower steering post 516 which rotates along with bracket 514. Lowersteering post 516 is rotatable about axis 515 in directions 517 and 519.In one embodiment, axis 515 is parallel to axis 502. In one embodiment,axis 515 is non-parallel to axis 502. At its lower end, lower steeringpost 516 is coupled to a bracket 518 which rotates with lower steeringpost 516. Bracket 518 is coupled to a steering arm 520A which is coupledto a ski spindle 398A as shown in FIG. 16. Bracket 518 is furtherrotatably coupled to a connecting link 522 which is further rotatablycoupled to a bracket 524. Bracket 524 communicates movement ofconnecting link 522 to a right side steering arm 520B. Steering arm 520Bis coupled to ski spindle 398B in a similar fashion as steering arm 520Ais coupled to ski spindle 398A.

Referring to FIG. 26, left side cast clip member 200 includes a mountingportion 528 having an aperture to receive a post 530 extending from thelower end of lower steering post 516. In a similar fashion, right sidecast clip member 202 includes a mounting portion 532 having an apertureto receive a post 534 on the bottom of bracket 524. As such, a lower endof steering post 516 is rotatably coupled to the left side cast clipmember 200. An upper portion of lower steering post 516 is coupledthrough a bracket 536 coupled to mounting lug 242 of over structure 230,as shown in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 13, an exhaust system of vehicle 100 is shown. Theexhaust system includes an exhaust intake 550 which is coupled to theengine (not shown) to receive exhaust gases from the engine. The exhaustintake 550 is coupled to exhaust conduit 552 which extends forward fromthe engine and wraps around and is in fluid communication with aresonator unit 554. As shown in FIG. 28, exhaust conduit 552 ispositioned below tubular member 243 and between left side cast clipmember 200 and right side cast clip member 202. Further, exhaust conduit552 extends beyond the front edge of left side cast clip member 200 andright side cast clip member 202 into a region bounded by front bumper560 as shown in FIG. 13.

Returning to FIG. 28, exhaust conduit 552 is coupled to right side castclip member 202 through compliant members 562. In one embodiment,compliant members 562 are springs. In a similar fashion, an upperportion of resonator unit 554 is coupled to a bracket 564 throughcompliant members 566. Compliant members 566, in one embodiment, aresprings. Bracket 564 is coupled to tubular portion 240 of theoverstructure 230. The exhaust gases communicated to resonator unit 554exit resonator unit through fluid port 570.

Referring to FIG. 29, a lower portion of resonator unit 554 is locatedwith a set of pins 572 which are coupled to a bracket 574 which ismounted to right side cast clip member 202. A bracket 576 in the lowerportion of resonator unit 554 includes openings to receive pins 572. Assuch, resonator unit 554 is able to float up and down but is restrictedforward and aft and side to side due to pins 572.

Referring to FIG. 30, an exemplary front bumper 560 which encloses fluidconduit 552 is shown. Front bumper 560 includes a front component 580, apair of side components 582 and 584, and a lower component 586. Each ofside components 582 and 584 and lower components 586 are coupled to oneof left cast clip member 200 and right side cast clip member 202 and arecoupled to front component 580. Front component 580 includes openings588 which permit air to enter a portion of the interior of vehicle 100.Referring to FIG. 1 air passes through openings 588 in front bumper 560and on through to openings 590 in body panel 592 and into the interiorof vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 31 lower member 586 of front bumper 560 includes twoattachment members 594 and 596. A radiator 600 is attached to lowerportion 586 through attachment members 594 and 596.

Radiator 600 includes a fluid inlet tube 602 and a fluid outlet tube 604which are in communication through a plurality of cross-tubes 606. Oneend of each of fluid inlet tube 602 and fluid outlet tube 604 is cappedand the other end is in fluid communication with a fluid conduitconnecting the respective fluid inlet tube 602 and the fluid outlet tube604 to various components of cooling system 630.

Pressed onto the plurality of cross tubes 606 are a plurality of finmembers 608 which are spaced apart to allow air flow there between. Thefin members 608 act to cool the fluid passing through cross members 606as it travels from fluid conduit 602 to fluid conduit 604. Two of thethin members illustratively 610 and 612 include extensions havingopenings therein. These extensions are coupled to attachment members 594and 596 through mechanical couplers, such as bolts. Referring to FIG. 13the location of radiator 600 is forward of front suspension 120 a and120 b. Further, radiator 600 is forward of cast clip members 200 and202.

Referring to FIGS. 55 and 56, an alternate front bumper 700 is shown.Referring to FIG. 55 front bumper 700 includes an upper structural piece702 and a lower structural piece 704. Upper structural piece 702 andlower structural piece 704 are joined together through a coupler. In oneembodiment, the coupler is a bolt and nut. Other couplers includes weldsand other means of fastening upper structural component 702 to lowerstructural component 704. In one embodiment, upper structural component702 is formed of a first tubular metal portion 706 and a second tubularmetal portion 708 which is coupled to the first tubular metal portion706.

Referring to FIG. 56, upper structural component 702 is overmolded anovermold component 710. In one embodiment, the overmolded component 710is made of a soft rubber material. The use of a soft rubber materialovermolded on a metal substrate provides an improved durability over aplastic bumper. In addition, it provides the ability to give a stylizedappearance to the bumper 700 while maintaining the structural rigidityof the underlying metal support.

Also, shown in FIG. 56 is an alternative configuration of front radiator600. The embodiment shown in FIG. 56 is the same as the radiator shownin FIG. 30 with the exception of fins 610′ include upper mountinglocations 611 which cooperates with mounting members similar to mountingmembers 594 shown in FIG. 31. Fins 610′ further include lower mountinglocations 613 which also cooperates with mounting members similar tomounting members 594 to secure radiator 600 to lower structural member704.

Referring to FIGS. 34-37, an air intake system 730 is shown. Referringto FIG. 34, air intake system 730 includes an intake member 732 and anair box 734. Intake number 732 includes an opening 736 through which airis received into an interior 738 (See FIG. 37) from an opening 740 (SeeFIG. 3) in the body panels of vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 35, intake member 732 includes a generally flatsurface 740 onto which an engine control unit 742 is mounted. As isknown in the art, engine control unit includes a computing device andsoftware for controlling the operation of engine 108 and other functionsof vehicle 100. By placing the engine control unit 742 on intake member732 the air passing through intake member 732 acts to cool the enginecontrol unit 742. Intake member 732 includes recesses 744 which receivecouplers for securing engine control unit 742 to intake member 732.Referring to FIG. 37, in one embodiment, recesses 744 are blow moldedfeatures which are sized to receive self tapping screws. Similar pocketsare used for mounting coils 750 to intake member 732.

Referring to FIG. 37, air intake member 732 includes extension members752 which rest against tubular member 238 of overstructure 230 as shownin FIG. 10. Tubular member 238 is located in recess 754 of intake member732 shown in FIG. 37. Air exits intake member 732 through opening 756(see FIG. 37) and enters into air box 734 through opening 758 (see FIG.35). Referring to FIG. 35 air box 734 includes an upper air box housing760, a lower air box housing 762 and divider 764. As indicated in FIG.36, an air filter 766 is positioned within an interior of upper air boxmember 760.

Referring to FIG. 36, air passes through filter 766 positioned in upperair box member 760 through one or more openings 768 and 770 of dividerplate 764 and into an interior 772 of lower air box member 762. The airexits lower air box member 762 through openings provided in a pair ofboots 765. The air then travels through conduits (not shown) whichprovide the air ultimately to engine 108.

Divider plate 764 cooperates with upper air box member 762 and holdfilter 766 in place. Openings 768 in divider plate 764 are generallyu-shaped. Opening 770 is defined by a side of divider plate 764 and aperimeter of lower air box housing 762. Divider plate 764 rests in thegroove 778 of lower air box housing 762. Divider plate 764 maybe removedas needed.

To assemble air box unit 734 tabs 780 on upper air box housing 760 areinserted into holders 782 (see FIG. 35) on lower air box housing 762.Referring to FIG. 35, upper air box housing includes holders 784 whichreceive an end of clips 786 which are assembled to lower air box housing762. In the illustrated embodiment, clips 786 are spring clips.

Referring to FIG. 35, boots 765 include a stop member 788. Stop member788 prevents the rotation of band clamps 790 and as the band clamps arebeing tightened. In one embodiment, stop member 788 include a recess toreceive a portion of screw 792 of the respective band clamp 790. In thismanner, band clamp 790 is coupled to stop member 788. As is known in theart, boots 765 are used to couple to air hoses which provide air fromair box 734 to the engine 108.

Referring to FIG. 38 a fuel tank 800 is shown. Fuel tank 800 includes afill port 802 through which fuel is provided to an interior fuel tank800. Disposed within the interior of fuel tank 800 is a fuel pump 804which pumps fuels from fuel tank 800 and provides it to the engine 108.Fuel pump 804 is coupled to a single sock 806 which is in fluidcommunication with the fuel in fuel tank 800. Sock 806 provides the fuelto fuel pump 804. Exterior surface 810 of fuel tank 800 provides aportion of the exterior surface for vehicle 100 as shown in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the engine 108 is a two cycle engine and requires asupply of oil to be mixed with the fuel for combustion. In oneembodiment, the supply of oil is provided in a oil container separatefrom fuel tank 800. A first exemplary oil container 820 is shown.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, oil bottle 820 is supported by a clutchguard 822. Clutch guard 822 is positioned generally above a continuouslyvariable transmission (“CVT”) 824. CVT 824 couples the engine 108 to adrive shaft 826 (see FIG. 50). As is known, a CVT includes a driveclutch which is operatively coupled to the engine 108 and a drivenclutch 828 (see FIG. 50) which is coupled to drive shaft 826. Drivenclutch 828 is coupled to the drive clutch through a drive belt. Clutchguard 822 is positioned to protect CVT unit 824. Referring to FIG. 13,oil bottle 820 is positioned on the opposite side of vehicle 100 fromwhere exhaust conduit 552 enters resonator unit 554.

Returning to FIG. 39, oil bottle 820 includes a fill port 830 throughwhich oil is provided to an interior 832 (see FIG. 41) of oil bottle820. Referring to FIG. 41, the interior of 832 of oil bottle 820includes a main reservoir portion 834 and a sump portion 836. Withinsump portion 836 is an outlet 838 through which oil is communicated to afluid conduit connected to the engine 108 or a component for mixing theoil with the fuel. As shown in FIG. 39, a fitting 840 is provided inopening 838. The oil line is connected to fitting 840. A second opening842 is provided in oil container 820. Opening 842 is sized to receive anoil sender 844 which includes a float 846. Float 846 is positioned insump area 836 of oil container 820. The relative position of float 846provides an indication of the oil level in oil container 820. Based onthe location of float 846, the engine control unit 742 provides to adisplay, such as the display shown in FIG. 57, a low oil indicator lightto an operator of vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the ECU 742 provides alow oil indicator light to the operator when the oil level in oilcontainer 820 falls below 1.2 quarts.

Referring to FIG. 42 sump region 836 of interior 382 is positionedgenerally below main reservoir region 834 of interior 832 when oilcontainer 820 is positioned on clutch guard 822 as shown in FIG. 14. Inone embodiment, the sump region 836 is sized to hold about 6.2 ounces ofoil.

Referring to FIG. 41 the sump region 836 is separated from the mainreservoir region 834 through a divider 850. Divider 850 provides agenerally v-shaped opening starting at point 852 and increasing in widthand direction 854. The variable width opening of divider 850 limits therate at which fluid leaves sump region 836 to flow into main reservoirregion 834 when the orientation of oil bottle 820 is changed (see FIG.43).

Changes in the orientation of oil container 820 occur when vehicle 100is climbing hills and/or carving in left to right turns through deepsnow. In one embodiment, the flow rate of oil from sump region 836 backinto main reservoir region 834 is controlled such that at least 4.8ounces of oil remain in sump region 836 as oil container 820 is tiltedin direction 856 about 50 degrees for approximately four minutes. Thisallows an operator of vehicle 100 to climb a 50 degree hill forapproximately 4 minutes time without running out of oil in sump region836. In one embodiment, the flow rate of oil from sump region 836 tomain reservoir region 834 is controlled to permit up to two minutes ofhill climb on a 50 degree hill. In this example, approximately 2.4ounces of oil are needed in sump region 836. In one embodiment, 6.7ounces of oil are required in sump region 836 for a 60 degree right-handcarve. In one embodiment, about 8.7 ounces of oil are needed in sumpregion 836 for a 60 degree left-hand carve.

In one embodiment, oil container 820 is molded as a single moldedcomponent. In one example oil bottle 820 is blow molded. In one example,the wall thickness of oil bottle 820 is 0.15 inches and the interior 832of oil bottle 820 is about 3.8 quarts. In another embodiment, the wallthickness of oil container 820 is about 0.15 inches and the volume ofinterior 832 of oil bottle 820 is about 4 quarts.

In one embodiment, sump region 836 has a volume of at least about 2.4fluid ounces (fl oz) to about 6.2 fl oz and the volume of main reservoirregion 834 and the sump region 836 combined is from about 3.5 quarts(about 112 fl oz) to about 4 quarts (about 128 ozs).

Referring to FIG. 41, the blow molded oil container 820 includes a pinchoff region 860. Pinch off region 860 separates a portion of sump region836 from main reservoir region 834. Further, pinch off region 860provides the starting location 852 of divider 850. In one embodiment,one or more apertures may be provided in pinch off 860 to accommodatecouplers to couple oil container 820 to clutch guard 824.

Referring to FIG. 40, oil bottle 820 includes locators 866 whichcooperate with locators 868 of clutch guard 824. Locators 866 and 868position oil bottle 820 relative to clutch guard 824 and reduce thelikelihood that oil container 820 will slide in direction 870 relativeto clutch guard 824. In the illustrated embodiment, locators 866 arebumps on the lower side of oil bottle 820 and locators 868 are recessesin clutch guard 824. In one embodiment, oil container 820 includesrecesses and clutch guard 824 includes bumps to locate oil bottle 820relative to clutch guard 824. Alternative locators may be used toposition oil bottle 820 relative to clutch guard 824.

As shown in FIG. 40 clutch guard 824 includes recesses 872. Recesses 872extend along a first side 874 and a second side 876 respectively ofclutch guard 824. Recesses 872 serve to channel in the oil which isspilled during the filling of the oil container 820 away from CVT 824.Instead the spilled oil flows down in direction 870 in recesses 872.

Referring to FIG. 39, oil container 820 includes a pair of recesses 880which extend from a first side of oil container 820 across a top of oilcontainer 820 and down a second side of oil container 820. Recesses 880are provided to retain a coupler 822. In the illustrated embodiment,coupler 882 is a compliant strap 884 having a first clip member 886 anda second clip member 888. Clip members 886 and 888 are received bycorresponding clips 890 and 892, respectively on clutch guard 822. Clipmembers 890 and 892 on clutch guard 822 are positioned to take intoaccount differences in the height of oil container 820 at the tworecesses 880. This permits identical couplers 882 to be used with boththe first recess 880 and the second recess 880 of the oil bottle 820.

Referring to FIG. 44, another exemplary oil container 900 is shown. Oilcontainer 900, like oil container 820, is made from a blow-moldedplastic material. Oil container 900 includes a main reservoir region 902and a sump region 904. Oil enters oil container 900 through fill port906. Sump region 904 includes a fluid outlet 908 which receives afitting, such as fitting 840 shown in FIG. 39. Further, oil container900 includes an opening 910 for receiving an oil sender. The volumes ofmain reservoir 902 and sump reservoir 904 generally correspond to thevolumes of main reservoir 834 and sump reservoir 836.

Oil container 900 includes a divider 912. Divider 912 includes a firstshut off region corresponding to a pinch off 914 and a second shut offregion corresponding to a pinch off 916. Pinch off regions 914 and 916are separated by fluid conduit 918 which is in fluid communication withboth main reservoir region 902 and sub-region 904. Oil in main reservoirregion 902 passes into sump region 904 either through fluid conduit 918or in the region 920 above divider 912.

Oil container 900 includes a locator 922 which cooperates with locator868 on clutch guard 822 to position oil container 900 relative to clutchguard 822. Oil container 900 also includes recesses 904 which are usedto retain couplers 882 described above in connection with oil container820. Another exemplary oil container 930 is shown in FIGS. 45-47. Oilcontainer 930 as shown is formed from a blow molded piece of material.Referring to FIG. 46, oil container 930 includes a fill port 932 throughwhich oil is introduced into a main reservoir 934. A sump reservoir 936is provided within a housing 938. Housing 938 is received in an opening940 in the bottom of oil container 930. Housing 938 includes anintegrated oil sender 942, a fluid inlet port 944, and a fluid outletport 946 (see FIG. 45). Fluid inlet port 944 and fluid outlet port 946are connected by fluid conduit 945. Oil from main reservoir 934 enterssump reservoir 936 through fluid port 944 and is communicated to theengine 108 through fluid outlet port 946.

Oil container 930 also includes a locator 948 which cooperates with asimilarly-sized locator provided on clutch guard 822. Further oilcontainer 930 includes recesses 950 which retain couplers 882 to oilcontainer 930 relative to clutch guard 822.

Referring to FIG. 48 a further exemplary oil bottle 960 is shown. Oilbottle 960 is made from a lower housing 962 and a upper housing 964.Upper housing 964 includes a oil fill port 966 which communicates oil toa main reservoir portion 968. A sump reservoir portion 970 is providedin oil container 960. Sump region 970 is in fluid communication withmain reservoir region 968 through a fluid inlet port 972 provided in adivider 974. Oil leaves sump region 970 through a fluid outlet port 976which is coupled to an oil line connected to an engine 108. A lowerflange 978 of upper housing 964 is positioned adjacent an upper flange980 of lower housing 962 to form main reservoir 968 and sump reservoir970. In one embodiment, a seal is provided between lower housing 962 andupper housing 964 to prevent oil from leaking from oil container 960.Upper housing 964 includes a storage compartment 980. A tool kit orother items may be stored in storage compartment 980. A cover 982 isprovided which may be coupled to upper housing member 964. In oneembodiment, pins 984 on cover 982 are received in opening 986 of upperhousing member 964 to rotatably couple cover 982 to upper housing 964.Cover 982 includes handles 988 which are used to open cover 982. Upperhousing portion 964 includes détente members 990 which cooperate withcorresponding members on cover 982 to secure cover 982 in a closedposition.

Referring to FIG. 49 a representation of the power train system 1000 ofvehicle 100 is shown. Power train system 1000 includes engine 108 whichis operatively coupled to CVT 824. CVT 824 is operatively coupled to anupper driveshaft 826. Upper driveshaft 826 is operatively coupled to alower driveshaft 1004 through a chain case 1006. As stated herein lowerdriveshaft 1004 is operatively coupled to endless track assembly 104through drive members 126.

Engine 108 is operatively coupled to ECU 742. ECU 742 includes a enginecontrol portion 1010 which controls the operation of engine 108. In oneembodiment, a fuel sensor 1012 is provided to determine a type of fuelwhich is being used by engine 108 including various blends of ethanoland gasoline. Fuel sensor 1012 provides an indication of the fuel typeto engine control unit 1010 which in turn controls the operation ofengine 108. Exemplary fuel sensors are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/445,731, filed Jun. 2, 2006, the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Further, the operation of engine 108 may be adjusted and based on theoutput of a security control module 1014 contained within the ECU 742.As explained herein, in one embodiment security control module 1014alters the operation of vehicle 100 based upon whether or not thecorrect security code or indicator has been provided to vehicle 100. Inone embodiment, as explained herein security modes and inputs areprovided to ECU 742 through operator inputs 1016 and indications areprovided back to the operator through a display 1018.

Further, as explained herein a braking unit 1020 is operatively coupledto upper drive shaft 826. In one embodiment, ECU 742 includes ABScontrol 1022 which controls the operation of braking unit 1020 asexplained herein. In one embodiment, one or more of security control1014 and ABS control 1022 are separate modules not included in ECU 742.

Referring to FIG. 50, an exemplary braking unit 1020 is shown. Brakingunit 1020 includes a brake disc 1026 coupled to a spline section 1028 ofupper drive shaft 826 and a brake caliper 1030 which is coupled to frame110 through a housing 1110 of chain case 1006. Brake caliper 1030interacts with brake disc 1026 to slow or stop the rotation of driveshaft 826.

In one embodiment, the pressure applied by brake caliper 1030 on brakedisc 1026 is controlled by ABS control 1022. ABS control 1022 controls apump motor 1032 which varies the hydraulic pressure applied to brakecaliper 1030 which in turn varies the amount of force applied by brakecaliper 1030 on brake disc 1026.

During a braking event on a conventional brake equipped snowmobile whenthe operator quickly and firmly applies and holds the brake lever on thehandlebar the endless track 130 will typically lock. The snowmobile willtransfer weight to the front skis and the endless track will slidecausing the snowmobile to over-steer and skid which will hinder theoperator's ability to control the snowmobile. On an embodiment ofvehicle 100 including ABS when the operator quickly and firmly appliesand holds the brake lever, ABS control 1022 will intervene and causebrake caliper 1030 to release brake disc 1026 before endless trackassembly 104 lockup occurs minimizing the possibility of an over-steercondition.

ABS control 1022 looks at the percent slip between the endless trackvelocity and the snowmobile velocity. Percent slip as

${{Percent}\mspace{14mu} {Slip}} = {100*\left( {1 - \frac{{Endless}\mspace{14mu} {Track}\mspace{14mu} {Velocity}}{{Snowmobile}\mspace{14mu} {Velocity}}} \right)}$

wherein Endless Track Velocity is the measured speed of the trackthrough a speed sensor 1150 and Snowmobile Velocity is one of anestimated speed of the snowmobile or a measured speed through a speedsensor 1152. In one embodiment, speed sensor 1150 measures therotational speed of drive shaft 826. Exemplary speed sensors to measurethe rotational speed of drive shaft 826 include hall effect sensors.

In one embodiment, Snowmobile Velocity is measured with speed sensor1152. Exemplary speed sensors include GPS sensors, Doppler sensors, andaccelerometers. In one embodiment, Snowmobile Velocity is estimatedbased on the Endless Track Velocity. It is assumed that prior toapplying the brakes the Snowmobile Velocity is generally equal to theEndless Track Velocity. Then the Snowmobile Velocity is allowed to decaybased on a deceleration curve to arrive at an estimated SnowmobileVelocity. Once the brake lever is released, or in the case of ABS thebrake caliper is released to prevent lock, the Endless Track Velocitymay again be sampled with speed sensor 1150 and the Snowmobile Velocityset equal to the sensed speed.

In one embodiment, when the operator applies the brake lever normalbraking is permitted until the percent slip is at least about 33percent, then the ABS module 1022 starts to cycle the brakes (applyingpressure with caliper and then releasing in a repeated fashion) untilthe percent slip rises to about 70 percent, at which point ABS module1022 releases the brake to prevent lockup. Of course, when the brake isreleased the estimated Snowmobile Velocity again returns to the sensedEndless Track Velocity and the progression begins again. In one example,the brake caliper is cycled at about 30 Hertz when the percent slip isbetween about 33 percent and about 70 percent. In one embodiment, therange corresponding to the cycling of the brake caliper is from about 50percent to about 60 percent.

By using an estimate for the Snowmobile Velocity, ABS module is able topermit an operator to tap the brakes during a jump to assist inflattening out the vehicle while it is in the air. Further, in oneembodiment, ABS module 1022 includes logic to take into account vehicle100 moving on an icy surface. In this scenario, the Endless TrackVelocity may be 80 miles per hour (mph), but the true SnowmobileVelocity is only 20 mph. when the brakes are first applied and the slipreaches the ABS threshold for cycling (such as about 50 percent slip)then ABS module 1022 initially assumes the Snowmobile Velocity is also80 mph. Then when the module releases at the lock threshold (such asabout 60 percent slip) due to the deceleration curve for 80 mph, thenext Endless Track Velocity is about 20 mph. ABS control assumes thatvehicle 100 is on an icy surface and sets the next estimated SnowmobileVelocity to about 20 mph.

Referring to FIG. 50, drive shaft 826 is shown. Drive shaft 826 iscoupled to driven clutch 828 of CVT 824 on a first end and a chain case1006 on a second end. Driven clutch 828 causes a rotation of drive shaft826, which in turn, causes a rotation of a first gear 1102 (see FIG. 51)positioned within chain case 1006. Referring to FIG. 51, first gear 1102is coupled to a second gear 1104 through a chain 1106, both beingpositioned within chain case 1006. The second gear 1104 is coupled todrive shaft 124 which in turn is coupled to endless track assembly 104through pair of drive sprockets 126.

Referring to FIG. 53, drive shaft 826 includes spline section 1028.Spline section 1028 extends through an opening in a chain case housing1110 and an opening in a chain case cover 1112. A first seal 1114 ispositioned between spline section 1028 and chain case housing 1110 alongwith a first bearing 1116. An exemplary bearing is a roller bearing. Asecond seal 1118 is positioned between spline section 1028 and chaincase cover 1112 along with a second bearing 1120. An exemplary bearingis a roller bearing. First gear 1102 is mounted to spline section 1028between first bearing 1116 and second bearing 1120. Brake disc 1026 ismounted to spline section 1028 outward of chain case cover 1112. Byhaving bearings positioned on both sides of first gear 1102, the amountof knock-back experienced while riding vehicle 100 is reduced.

Chain case 1006 includes various mounting locations which permit vehicle100 to be setup for various configurations. Referring to FIG. 52, chaincase housing 1110 includes a first mounting location 1130, a secondmounting location 1132, and a third mounting location 1134. Asillustrated, first mounting location 1130 and second mounting location1132 are aligned with mounting locations (not shown) on right sidebulkhead member 186. Right side bulkhead member 186 also includesadditional mounting locations 1136 and 1138. During assembly of vehicle100, first mounting location 1130 is aligned with either the mountinglocation it is currently obscuring in FIG. 52 or additional mountinglocation 1136 and is coupled thereto with a coupler, such as a bolt.Then, one of second mounting location 1132 and third mounting location1134 is aligned with either the mounting location obscured by secondmounting location 1132 in FIG. 52 or additional mounting location 1138.In this manner, the position of drive shaft 826 may be altered duringassembly by the placement of chain case housing 1100.

Referring to FIG. 51, the inside of chain case housing 1110 includesfeatures 1140 which direct the flow of oil in chain case 1006 ontosecond gear 1104. Feature 1140 is generally teardrop shaped to directdrops of oil onto second gear 1104. Oil is added to chain case 1006through the opening left by removing a plug 1142.

Referring to FIG. 54, an operator 1160 is shown positioned on vehicle100. Operator 1160 is positioned at a first seating position region 1161of seat 1142. Hands 1162 of operator 1160 are gripping handlebars 500.Feet of operator 1160 are positioned on running boards 1163 of vehicle100. In particular, the front portions of the feet of the operator arepositioned in a foot rest region 1165 (see FIG. 14) which is angledupward relative to the remainder of running boards 1163. In theillustrated embodiment, a foot supporting surface of foot rest region1165 is angled upward relative to a foot supporting surface of theremainder of running boards by about 9 degrees, as indicated by angle1174. The foot rest region 1165 has a foot containment member,illustratively a toe hook 1167, which extends over foot rest region 1165to assist in keeping the foot of the operator positioned in foot restregion 1165.

As shown in FIG. 54, the hands 1162 of operator 1160 grip handlebar 500forward of an axis 1170 of drive shaft 124. The position of the hips1164, knees 1166, and ankles 1168 of operator 1160 are also shown. Whenseated in first seating position 1161, the knees 1166 of operator 1160are forward of ankles 1168 and hips 1164 are elevated relative to knees1166. By elevating hips 1164 relative to knees 1166, it is easier foroperator 1160 to transition from a seated position as shown in FIG. 54to a standing position or at least to a crouched position wherein theoperator is spaced apart from seating surface 144 of seat 142.

In the illustrated embodiment, a line connecting the hips and knees(while the operator is seated on seat 142) is about 18 degrees abovehorizontal, as indicated by angle 1172. In one embodiment, the lineconnecting the hips and knees (while the operator is seated on seat 142)is at least about −2 degrees below horizontal to angles abovehorizontal. In one embodiment, the line connecting the hips and knees(while the operator is seated on seat 142) is up to about 25 degreesabove horizontal. In one embodiment, the line connecting the hips andknees (while the operator is seated on seat 142) is above horizontal andis up to about 25 degrees above horizontal. In one embodiment, the lineconnecting the hips and knees (while the operator is seated on seat 142)is between about −2 degrees below horizontal and about 25 degrees abovehorizontal. In one example, the operator is an average size adult human.

As mentioned herein, in one embodiment, security control module 1014alters the operation of vehicle 100 based upon whether or not a correctsecurity code has been provided to vehicle 100. In one embodiment, asecurity code and other inputs are provided to ECU 742 through operatorinputs 1016 and indications are provided back to the operator through adisplay 1018.

Referring to FIG. 57, an exemplary screen 1200 presented on display 1018is shown. Screen 1200 is displayed when vehicle 100 is started and asecure mode is not active for vehicle 100. In a non-secure mode, vehicle100 operates normally. In a secure mode, the engine rpm is limited to alevel below an engagement rpm for CVT 824. The engine rpm may be limitedby at least one of restricting the provision of fuel to engine 108 andinterrupting the spark of the igniters of engine 108. The engine remainslimited until a correct security code is provided. Referring to FIG. 58,a screen 1202 corresponding to when vehicle 100 is started in a securemode is shown. In one embodiment, a timer also shuts off engine 108after a predetermined time period if a valid security code has not beenpresented to security control module 1014. Exemplary security codesinclude manually entered numeric codes, manually entered alpha-numericcodes, biometric information provided to a reader, electromagneticsignals including security code information provided to a receiver, andother suitable methods of presenting a security code.

In one embodiment, the operator may select to have vehicle 100 start ina secure mode only at the next start and thereafter start in anon-secure mode. This situation is ideal for when the operator isparking their vehicle is a public or unfamiliar location, such asstopping for lunch on a trail. Referring to FIG. 59, a screen 1204corresponding to when a secure once (the next start) mode has beenselected for vehicle 100 is shown.

In one embodiment, the operator may select to have vehicle 100 start ina secure mode at every start. Referring to FIG. 60, a screen 1206corresponding to when a secure all (every start) mode has been selectedfor vehicle 100 is shown.

An exemplary operation of security control module 1014 is represented.The operation of security control module 1014 is presented wherein theoperator provides inputs through a Mode button 1210 and a Sel button1212 of operator inputs 1016 and provides information to the operatorthrough display 1018. However, the methods of operator input andfeedback may be accomplished in different manners.

In one embodiment, the security code is entered with mode button 1210and sel button 1212, as follows. To enable one of the secure modes, theoperator 1160 will press and hold the mode button 1210 and sel button1212 on the display 1018 for a predetermined time, such as 3 secondswhile the brake is in a parking brake locked position. In one example,the vehicle 100 must be running with an engine RPM of 3500 or less, anda ground speed of 0 to set or change security modes.

When the operator presses and holds mode button 1210 and sel button 1212for the predetermined time, the display 1018 will change from normaldisplay mode wherein a tachometer reading and a speed reading aredisplayed to a security set mode. In the security set mode, the leftmost digit 1220 of display 1018 becomes active and displays a “0” whichblinks at a rate of 2 HZ. The operator releases mode button 1210 and selbutton 1212. Subsequent pressing and releasing of sel button 1212increments the active digit by 1 for each press and release cycle.Pressing mode button 1210 accepts the value for the left digit and movesthe cursor to the middle digit. The left digit will no longer blink, butthe middle digit will now blink. Subsequent pressing and releasing ofsel button 1212 increments the active digit by 1 for each press andrelease cycle. Pressing mode button 1210 accepts the value for themiddle digit and moves the cursor to the right digit. The left digit andthe middle digit will no longer blink, but the right digit will nowblink. Subsequent pressing and releasing of sel button 1212 incrementsthe active digit by 1 for each press and release cycle. Pressing modebutton 1210 accepts the value for the right digit and moves the cursorto the right digit. The left digit and the middle digit will no longerblink, but the right digit will now blink. At anytime in the process, ifno buttons are pressed for 5 seconds, the display 1018 exit the securitymode and return to normal display mode and no security code will be set.

Pressing mode button 1210 again will set cursor back on left most digit,holding mode button 1210 for a predetermined time period, such as 3seconds, will bring up the “ONCE” or “ALL” selection. The display 1018will first now “ONCE”. Pressing and holding mode button 1210 for apredetermined time, such as 3 seconds will select the ONCE security modewherein the security code is required only for the next start. Pressingthe sel button 1212 will toggle the lower display to show “ALL”.Pressing and holding mode button 1210 for a predetermined time, such as3 seconds will select the ALL security mode wherein the security code isrequired for each subsequent start. Once one of the ONCE security modeand the ALL security mode has been selected, the entered code isdisplayed on the top segment line of display 1018, “ONCE” or “ALL” onthe middle segments line, and “CODE” on the bottom. The code will flashfor a predetermined time period, such as 3 seconds. The code andsecurity mode will then be written to the ECU 742 and display 1018 willreturn to normal function. At anytime in the process, if no buttons arepressed for 5 seconds, the display 1018 exit the security mode andreturn to normal display mode and no security code will be set.

Referring to FIG. 61, vehicle 100 is started, as represented by block1250. A check is made to see if a security mode is active or not, asrepresented by block 1252. If a security mode is not active, vehicle 100is allowed full functionality, as represented by block 1266. If asecurity mode is active, the operator is prompted to enter the securitycode, as represented by block 1254. The operator is given apredetermined period of time, such as thirty seconds, to enter thesecurity code before engine 108 is shut-off. With the vehicle running atidle and a ground speed of 0, the operator presses and holds the modebutton 1210 and sel button 1212 for a predetermined time, such as 3seconds. A check is made to determine if the code entered matches whatis stored in the ECU 742, as represented by block 1256. If the enteredcode does not match the code stored in the ECU 742, the display willshow “Secure” “Err”, as represented by block 1258. A check is made tosee if the thirty second window has expired, as represented by block1260. If not, the operator is given another chance to enter a securitycode, as represented by block 1254. if the thirty second window hasexpired, vehicle 100 is shut off, as represented by block 1262.

If the entered code matches the code stored in ECU 742, a check is madeto determine if the security mode was “ONCE” or “ALL”, as represented byblock 1264. If the security mode was set to “ALL” then vehicle 100 isallowed full functionality, as represented by block 1266. If thesecurity mode was set to “ONCE” then the security mode is disabled, asrepresented by block 1268, and then vehicle 100 is allowed fullfunctionality, as represented by block 1266. Further, the currentsecurity code is cleared when security is turned OFF. Display 1018 willtoggle to show “Secure” “OFF”.

At anytime the engine is at idle and the track speed is zero, anoperator may enter a security setup, as represented by block 1270. Acheck is made to see if a security mode is currently active, asrepresented by block 1272. If a security mode is not currently active,an operator may enter a three digit security code as outlined herein, asrepresented by block 1274. Once the code has been entered, the operatoris presented options for the security system, as represented by block1276. Returning to block 1272, if a security mode is currently active,the operator is required to enter the security code, as represented byblock 1278. A check is made to see if the entered code matches thestored code, as represented by block 1280. If the code does not matchthe stored code, display 1018 is returned to normal display, asrepresented by block 1282. If the code matches the stored code, thenmatches the operator is presented options for the security system, asrepresented by block 1276.

The operator is able to toggle through various options for the securitysystem. A first option is to set the security mode to “ONCE”, asrepresented by blocks 1284 and 1286. A second option is to set thesecurity mode to “ALL”, as represented by blocks 1288 and 1290. A thirdoption is to turn the security mode to “OFF”, as represented by blocks1292 and 1294. If none of the three options are selected or apredetermined time period, such as five seconds, passes without furtherinput the system will exit and no changes will be saved, as representedby block 1296.

In one embodiment, multiple security codes may be set. In the securitycodes may be used to operate vehicle 100 in various modes. For instance,a first code may be used for a novice mode wherein the acceleration andtop speed of vehicle 100 is limited, a second code may be used for acruise mode wherein acceleration is optimized for fuel economy, a thirdcode is for an expert mode wherein the acceleration and top speed andother parameters, such as braking, are optimized for an expert rider,and a fourth code is for normal operation. In one example, any securitycode having a “1” as the right digit will cause vehicle 100 to operatein the novice mode, any security code having a “2” as the right digitwill cause vehicle 100 to operate in the cruise mode, any security codehaving a “3” as the right digit will cause vehicle 100 to operate in theexpert mode, and any security code having a “4”-“0” as the right digitwill cause vehicle 100 to operate in the normal mode.

In one embodiment, ECU 742 stores vehicle speed and tachometer readingsfor a predetermined time period for potential playback to the operator.The operator when vehicle 100 is idling at zero speed may throughoperator inputs 1016 select to playback their stored speed andtachometer readings.

In one embodiment, ECU 742 will cause vehicle 100 to shutdown after apredetermined time period if the water temperature of cooling system 630is above a set value. This allows an operator to start vehicle 100 andthen be spaced apart from vehicle 100 as it warms up.

1. A vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a plurality of groundengaging members including one or more front ground engaging memberssupporting a front portion of the frame and one or more rear groundengaging members supporting a rear portion of the frame; a power trainsystem supported by the frame and operatively coupled to at least one ofthe plurality of ground engaging members; a steering assemblyoperatively coupled to at least the one or more front ground engagingmembers to orient the one or more front ground engaging members; and afront suspension including a first left side control arm coupled to afirst ground engaging member of the one or more front ground engagingmembers and a first right side control arm coupled to a second groundengaging member of the one or more front ground engaging members, thefirst left side control arm and the first right side control arm arecoupled to the frame through a common connection, and the commonconnection is a coupler which extends through the frame.
 2. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the coupler extends through retainers which hold thefirst left side control arm and the first right side control arm whichcouples the first right side control arm to the first left side controlarm.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the retainers are bracketsreceived in collars of the first left side control arm and the firstright side control arm, and the coupler extends through the brackets andthe frame.
 4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a castclip having at least two cast frame components, the coupler coupling afirst cast component of the cast clip and a second cast component of thecast clip together, the coupler extending through the first castcomponent of the cast clip and the second cast component of the castclip.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first left side control armand the first right side control arm are each coupled to a cast clip ofthe frame, the first left side control arm being rotatable relative tothe cast clip about a first left side axis and being coupled to the castclip through a second connection along a first direction generallyperpendicular to the first left side axis, the first right side controlarm being rotatable relative to the cast clip about a first right sideaxis and being coupled to the cast clip through a third connection alonga second direction generally perpendicular to the first right side axis.6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the common connection couples thefirst left side control arm to the cast clip along a third direction,the third direction forming an angle relative to the first left sideaxis of at least about 67 degrees.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, whereinthe front suspension further includes a second left side control armcoupled to the first ground engaging member of the one or more frontground engaging members and a second right side control arm coupled tothe second ground engaging member of the one or more front groundengaging members.
 8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the first left sidecontrol arm is rotatable relative to the frame about a first left sideaxis, the second left side control arm is rotatable relative to theframe about a second left side axis, the first right control arm isrotatable relative to the frame about a first right side axis, thesecond right side control arm is rotatable relative to the frame about asecond right side axis, the first left side axis being generallyparallel to the second left side axis, and the first right side axisbeing generally parallel to the second right side axis.
 9. The vehicleof claim 7, wherein the first left side control arm is rotatablerelative to the frame about a first left side axis, the second left sidecontrol arm is rotatable relative to the frame about a second left sideaxis, the first right control arm is rotatable relative to the frameabout a first right side axis, the second right side control arm isrotatable relative to the frame about a second right side axis, and thefirst left side axis being angled relative to the second left side axisand the first right side axis being angled relative to the second rightside axis.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame includes atunnel; the one or more front ground engaging members are a pair of skisand the one or more rear ground engaging members is an endless trackoperatively coupled to the power train; at least a portion of theendless track is covered by the tunnel of the frame, and the straddleseat being positioned above the endless track.
 11. A vehicle comprising:a frame; a plurality of ground engaging members including one or morefront ground engaging members supporting a front portion of the frameand one or more rear ground engaging members supporting a rear portionof the frame; a power train system supported by the frame andoperatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engagingmembers; a steering assembly operatively coupled to at least the one ormore front ground engaging members to orient the one or more frontground engaging members; and a front suspension including a first leftside control arm coupled to a first ground engaging member of the one ormore front ground engaging members and to a cast portion of the frame,and a first right side control arm coupled to a second ground engagingmember of the one or more front ground engaging members and to the castportion of the frame, the first left side control arm is rotatablerelative to the cast portion of the frame about a first left side axisand is coupled to the cast portion of the frame along a first direction,the first direction being angled relative to the first left side axis,the first right side control arm is rotatable relative to the castportion of the frame about a first right side axis and is coupled to thecast portion of the frame along a second direction, the second directionbeing angled relative to the first right side axis.
 12. The vehicle ofclaim 11, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to thefirst left side axis and the second direction is generally perpendicularto the first right side axis.
 13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein thefirst direction and the first left side axis form an angle of at leastabout 67 degrees.
 14. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising a swaybar rotatably coupled to the cast portion of the frame and coupled toeach of the left side control arm and the right side control arm, thecoupling to the cast portion of the frame being forward of the couplingto each of the left side control arm and the right side control arm. 15.The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising a straddle seat supported bythe frame; the steering assembly including a handlebar; and the straddleseat being positioned rearward of handlebar.
 16. The vehicle of claim11, wherein the frame includes a tunnel, the one or more front groundengaging members are a pair of skis and the one or more rear groundengaging members is an endless track operatively coupled to the powertrain, at least a portion of the endless track covered by the tunnel ofthe frame, and the straddle seat being positioned above the endlesstrack.
 17. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a plurality of ground engagingmembers including one or more front ground engaging members supporting afront portion of the frame and one or more rear ground engaging memberssupporting a rear portion of the frame; a power train system supportedby the frame and operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality ofground engaging members; a steering assembly operatively coupled to atleast the one or more front ground engaging members to orient the one ormore front ground engaging members; and a front suspension including afirst left side control arm coupled to a first ground engaging member ofthe one or more front ground engaging members and a first right sidecontrol arm coupled to a second ground engaging member of the one ormore front ground engaging members, the frame including a cast cliphaving at least two cast frame components, first left side control armand the first right side control arm are coupled to the frame through acommon connection formed with a coupler which couples the first rightside control arm to the first left side control arm, and the couplercoupling a first cast component of the cast clip and a second castcomponent of the cast clip together, the coupler extending through thefirst cast component of the cast clip and the second cast component ofthe cast clip.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the coupler extendsthrough the frame.
 19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the first leftside control arm and the first right side control arm are each coupledto a cast clip of the frame, the first left side control arm beingrotatable relative to the cast clip about a first left side axis andbeing coupled to the cast clip through a second connection along a firstdirection generally perpendicular to the first left side axis, the firstright side control arm being rotatable relative to the cast clip about afirst right side axis and being coupled to the cast clip through a thirdconnection along a second direction generally perpendicular to the firstright side axis.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the commonconnection couples the first left side control arm to the cast clipalong a third direction, the third direction forming an angle relativeto the first left side axis of at least about 67 degrees.
 21. Thevehicle of claim 17, wherein the front suspension further includes asecond left side control arm coupled to the first ground engaging memberof the one or more front ground engaging members and a second right sidecontrol arm coupled to the second ground engaging member of the one ormore front ground engaging members.
 22. The vehicle of claim 21, whereinthe first left side control arm is rotatable relative to the frame abouta first left side axis, the second left side control arm is rotatablerelative to the frame about a second left side axis, the first rightcontrol arm is rotatable relative to the frame about a first right sideaxis, the second right side control arm is rotatable relative to theframe about a second right side axis, the first left side axis beinggenerally parallel to the second left side axis, and the first rightside axis being generally parallel to the second right side axis. 23.The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the first left side control arm isrotatable relative to the frame about a first left side axis, the secondleft side control arm is rotatable relative to the frame about a secondleft side axis, the first right control arm is rotatable relative to theframe about a first right side axis, the second right side control armis rotatable relative to the frame about a second right side axis, andthe first left side axis being angled relative to the second left sideaxis and the first right side axis being angled relative to the secondright side axis.